POTASSIUM CHLORIDE AND SODIUM CHLORIDE PRODUCTION PROCESS Russian patent published in 2007 - IPC C01D3/04 C01D3/08 

FIELD: production of inorganic compounds.

SUBSTANCE: invention is intended for use in chemical and mining industries to manufacture mineral fertilizers and food salts. Ground sylvinite ore is dissolved in recycled potassium chloride-saturated lye. Resulting solution is directed at a rate of 0.03-0.15 m/s to leaching in the first dissolution column, with its electrodes connected to one of a current source poles, and treated by low-frequency (1-5 Hz) alternating electric field at voltage 30-100 v. Solution thus enriched with potassium chloride is fed together with solid phase into the downstream second dissolution column with its electrodes connected to opposite pole of the current source. Treatment by alternating electric field in the second column is effected under the same conditions as in the first column. Two-step leaching results in potassium chloride solution and sodium chloride-enriched solid phase. Separated sodium chloride is sent to production of food salt. Potassium chloride is separated from solution via crystallization.

EFFECT: increased yield and purity of potassium and sodium chloride products and reduced power and material consumption.

3 cl